Idaho dominates Utah, 7-2

BOISE , Idaho – The Idaho Steelheads toyed with the Grizzlies in this first game of the ECHL semifinals.   In a 7-2 win, the Steelheads used consistent pressure and a steady offensive push to thoroughly dominate the Grizzlies.   Perhaps the biggest difference was in the defensive effort, where Utah was unable to mount any pressure at all, getting only 26 shots on goal for the game and only 14 through the critical first 40 minutes of the series.     The Steelheads launched 52 shots of their own for the game.   Showing no ill-effects of the long layoff prior to the series the Steelheads came out fast and built a quick 2-0 lead on goals by Matt McKnight and Mark McCutcheon (each had two goals on the night) before Utah got on the board.   John Swanson and McCutcheon added markers in the second, before Ryan Kinasewich picked up Utah’s second and last goal of the match.   With the breath gone from the Utah side, the Steelheads used fresher legs to complete the performance and notch three additional goals in the third period.   The requisite fighting majors were assessed in the third period as each team used the period’s end to send messages for the second game.   Problem for Utah, is that Idaho sent the loudest message of the evening for game two and that was 7-2 on the scoreboard for game one.   Contact Lou.Lafrado@prohockeynews.com